If you’ve ever been frustrated by the error message “DNS server not responding,” don’t worry! This article will provide you with easy troubleshooting tips to quickly fix the issue.
DNS, which stands for Domain Name System, acts as a phonebook for the internet, translating domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand.
When your DNS server isn’t working, it can disrupt your internet connection and make accessing websites a challenge. We’ll guide you through steps to check if your DNS server address is correct and offer solutions when your DNS server appears to be unavailable.
Understanding the Function of a DNS Server
A DNS server plays a crucial role in the internet connection process by converting domain names into IP addresses. When your computer connects to a website, it uses the IP address instead of the domain name.
By translating the website’s name and address into an IP address, a DNS server ensures that users can connect to the correct websites and receive the intended services.
How DNS Servers Work
Having an understanding of how DNS servers function can help in troubleshooting DNS issues. A website has both a name and an IP address. The name is what users enter into a browser, such as https://www.exabytes.my, to access a website.
This domain name is associated with a numerical IP address that represents the website’s location on the internet. It is the responsibility of a DNS server to link a name to a number.
When a website’s name is entered, the browser requests its IP address from the nearest DNS server. The DNS server responds with the IP address, and the browser establishes a connection with the website, which is then displayed on the screen. Users are usually unaware of the tasks performed behind the scenes to make this system work.
Learn about How do DNS servers resolve a DNS query?
Significance of ‘DNS Service Unavailable’ Message
When you come across the message “DNS server unavailable,” it means that although your computer is connected to the internet, it is unable to convert the received data into webpage content.
This indicates a lack of a functional internet connection on your PC because it fails to display any information when visiting a website. A DNS problem can have various causes and may require different solutions, as it is typically not a single underlying issue.
Troubleshooting Tips for Correcting DNS Errors
Resolving a DNS error can involve various potential solutions, ranging from minor adjustments to complete infrastructure changes, depending on the root cause of the issue. The following sections provide different methods for troubleshooting and resolving DNS errors.
Identifying the Source of the Issue
Determining the root cause is an essential step in finding a solution for DNS issues. The problem can originate from the browser, computer, router, or internet service provider (ISP). Identifying the source will guide your troubleshooting approach.
| Source of the Issue | Troubleshooting Steps | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Browser | Access the page using a different browser | Clear the browser’s cache and data |
| Computer | Check DNS settings and verify accuracy | Disable firewall and antivirus software
Turn off secondary connections Update network adapter drivers |
| Router | Connect via Ethernet cable
Reboot the router |
Check router’s configuration<br>Update the router
Restore factory settings |
| ISP | Ping DNS server IP addresses
Confirm with ISP |
Remove unresponsive IP addresses
Switch to a different DNS server Contact ISP for assistance |
1. Browser
To determine if the browser is causing the issue, try accessing the same page using a different browser. If it works, the problem lies with your initial browser. Ask others connected to the same router if they experience connection issues.
If they don’t, the computer itself may be the cause, requiring a local solution. If multiple users face the same DNS problem, the issue likely resides with the router.
Solution: Clearing the browser’s cache and deleting its data is a common solution for browser-related DNS issues. Clearing the cache ensures you have the most up-to-date information and often resolves connection problems. If clearing the cache doesn’t fix the DNS issue, further examination of the computer is necessary.
2. Computer
When a computer or router is set up, its DNS settings are configured to connect to the appropriate DNS server. When DNS problems arise, it’s advisable to check the device’s settings for any alterations.
Check DNS Settings: Consult the network administrator or ISP for accurate DNS settings and verify them on the computer. If using services like OpenDNS, ensure compatibility with your network or ISP.
Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software: Temporarily disabling firewalls and antivirus programs can help identify if they are blocking IP addresses or websites. If disabling them allows successful internet connection, review the DNS configurations within the firewall and antivirus software.
Turn off Secondary Connections: Disable other active connections like Bluetooth to prevent potential conflicts. On Windows systems, disable peer-to-peer networking.
Update Network Adapter Drivers: Ensure network adapters have the latest drivers. If not, update the drivers and attempt the connection again.
3. Routers
Routers can obstruct connectivity to DNS servers due to incorrect configurations or the need for replacement. Here are some troubleshooting techniques for routers.
Connect via Ethernet Cable: Use a wired connection by connecting a computer to the router with an Ethernet cable. If the issue is resolved using Ethernet, the router may be the problem. Verify the router’s configuration.
Reboot the Router: Resetting the router can resolve DNS issues by refreshing its cache. Unplug the modem and router, wait for at least 15 seconds, and reconnect the power cables. Wait until the devices are online.
Update the Router: Check for available updates for the router and consider applying them if applicable.
Restore Factory Settings: Resetting the router to factory settings removes any custom DNS configurations that might cause issues, especially in residential routers.
If the routers are functioning correctly, the issue likely lies with the ISP.
4. ISP (Internet Service Provider)
ISPs maintain DNS servers, and changes made by the provider may require adjustments that can lead to internet connection failures.
Is it the ISP? The DNS server of the ISP may be down. Confirm this by pinging the IP addresses of the DNS servers and remove any unresponsive addresses. Select “Obtain DNS server automatically” to obtain the IP addresses, or contact the ISP for assistance if the option is unavailable.
Is it a DNS server issue? DNS servers can become unavailable due to overload or malfunctions. Switching to a different DNS server using a provided list of DNS server addresses may resolve the problem.
Is it the Organization’s Server? If a user connects to a VPN or local work network, they may receive a DNS address from their company’s server, independent of the ISP. If DNS errors occur in this scenario, investigation of the server may be necessary.
In Conclusion
You can effectively resolve the problem of a DNS server not responding by following appropriate troubleshooting techniques. Keep in mind that the DNS server acts as a translator, converting domain names into IP addresses to establish connections with websites.
If you come across the error message “DNS server not responding,” it indicates a potential impact on your internet connection. However, there’s no need to panic. By verifying your DNS server address and implementing solutions for addressing unavailability issues, you can swiftly resolve the problem and resume seamless web browsing.
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